Hyderabad|India|September'2011:Glendale Institute of Management Sciences (GIMS) has entered into an Understanding with London Metropolitan University to mutually support each other in the pursuit of excellence in global business education. The understanding opens avenues to strengthen and promote academic and research cooperation between the two Institutions at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Under the linkage, GIMS would offer B.A (Hons.) in Business Management and MBA programmes at its campus in Hyderabad based on the curriculum from London Metropolitan University. The courses will begin from 2012. At the end of the programmes students will receive a London Met Degree.

The understanding will allow both organizations to identify opportunities for extensive faculty training, academic staff exchanges and cooperation, Student visits to London Met, exchange of academic materials and sharing of experience and expertise and projected joint research and development in disciplines of mutual interest in the area of business management. Students from GIMS will get an opportunity to visit UK and the Far East for a brief period to give them global academic exposure.

Speaking to media persons, Mr. Bashiruddin Babukhan, Chairman GIMS said, “We are happy that London Metropolitan University (London Met) is partnering with us in offering MBA and BA (Hons) programmes through Glendale Institute of Management Sciences (GIMS). We look forward to this association to widen the horizon of innovative professional education for our students on an international platform”.

He further added, “Today, we require individuals who are capable of looking at the world as a whole and not through regional differences. The partnership between the two institutions is an initiative to this end. Through this association, GIMS will provide an engaging, challenging and compelling learning environment to the students and faculty alike. Going forward, we plan build a strong relationship and introduce other such beneficial programmes at GIMS”.

According to Dr. Abhimanyu Acharya, Chief Executive-Education, GIMS, "The understanding will provide an opportunity to the faculty members of both institutions to undertake collaborative projects in research and other academic activities as well as a chance to work in an international atmosphere. The faculty training would focus on content up gradation of GIMS Faculty with respect to their specific subject areas. Such collaboration will help upgrade the capabilities of current and future teachers.”

"Students and teachers in this country must be prepared to think critically, creatively and collaborate, successfully in an inter-connected world. Empowering professional teachers to innovate allows them to find new ways to improve learning. There is a huge need for continued professional development of teachers to meet the demand of quality education. This is a critical factor for achieving education transformation to support the economic growth of India," said Dr. Acharya.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Mark Bickerton, Director International Office, London Metropolitan University UK, said, “We are happy to partner with Glendale Institute of Management Sciences as our vision, mission and commitment to education are well aligned. We aim to prepare young men & women not just for excellent career opportunities through academic excellence; but also for assuming leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world. This educational partnership will broaden the horizons of the students culturally too.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tony Begley, Academic Leader, L M Business School, UK, said, “With globalization come opportunities that have been created in various domains of learning. We believe that unification of professional education enriches the process of learning and reaches a greater potential. The purpose of Education is to produce integrated men and women who have the freedom to excel in their field of academic interest and the role of the institution is to guide the students to discover their interest. This partnership is a major step towards achieving this objective.”


About the Courses: GIMS will offer London Metropolitan University’s two most popular courses – 2 year MBA (Masters in Business Administration) and 3 year B.A. Hons. / BBM (Bachelor in Business Management). In both the programmes students complete the courses at GIMS with an international study tour in every year. Students will also have the opportunity to visit International destinations during their course. At the end of the programmes they will receive an LMU awarded Degree that will make them employable, both internationally and in India.

GIMS faculty will be sent to London to receive extensive training from London Met in functional pedagogy and teaching methodology. It would also open avenues for undergraduate and post-graduate students of GIMS to undertake internship and research projects in future.